As one friend put it recently, "ANIME KIX ASS!"
I had to agree with him. It's not SCOOBY-DOO. Anime is animation for adults and whether you've enjoyed it since you first saw SPEED RACER or BATTLE OF THE PLANETS or recently discovered it in the video store or on the Sci-Fi Channel, there's nothing quite like it anywhere else.
I've always been puzzled by how live-action Japanese science fiction (the GODZILLA movies, for instance) are so cheesy while Japanese science fiction in animated form offers stories and ideas that could equally be found in the best SF literature. You're entertained but you're given something to think about, too, and that's what I love the most about SF.
While I could do without all of the X-rated lesbian rape fantasies that you find in anime, I enjoy the diverse forms of comedy (RANMA 1/2, TENCHI MUYO, YOU'RE UNDER ARREST), drama (THE WINGS OF HONNEAMISE, GRAVE OF THE FIREFLIES), and action (WICKED CITY, GUNSMITH CATS, ANGEL COP).
Like DOCTOR WHO, country music, and yes, GODZILLA movies, anime isn't for everyone, but I bet if you take the time to look, even the most staunchest critic will discover something just for them.
This month's issue of POWER STAR salutes this incredible art form.
*****
I was at the kick-off with Jerry Doyle and Tracy Scoggins (see last issue) and you still have a couple of chances to make it to this. Of course, I'm talking about the BABYLON 5 Experience.
The BABYLON 5 Experience continues an 8-city mall tour (which began in Atlanta) featuring a traveling recreation of the actual set that engages visitors in exciting interactive experiences including: live appearances of B5 cast members to sign autographs for fans; face painting and tatoos; costumes and props from the series; and an exclusive clip of the second original feature-length movie, THIRDSPACE (premiering on TNT July 19), to be shown at the tour.
The tour travels to the following markets:
New York - Saturday, 5/2/98
Location: The Galleria
Stars present: Richard Biggs (Dr. Stephen Franklin)
Washington, D.C. - Saturday, 5/9/98
Location: White Flint Mall
Stars present: Stephen Furst (Vir Cotto)
*****
Again, I'm asking for your support to stand behind the print version of this 'zine. I'm still offering to send each $60 subscriber (to either the print or shareware versions) a science-fiction-themed VHS videotape at no additional cost. You could get a movie, fan-produced music videos, interviews, or bloopers. Also, keep in mind that the print version of POWER STAR has many exclusives not found on-line, such as this month's ROBOTECH story.
That's all for now. I hope you enjoy the issue.